Your Success - Project Management Consulting, Training …

1 OUR METHODOLOGY | Your Success . Training Services Consulting Services Software PMO Development A Phased Approach to Project Management Implementation by Thomas P. Stevens, PMP. Implementing a formalized Project Management process in an organization that does not have a history of using a structured approach to Project planning and control can present significant challenges. A phased approach to implementation is a crucial element of a successful imple- mentation strategy because it helps overcome resistance to change, allows lessons learned in early phases to be incorporated in the systems installed in later phases, and ensures that a solid foundation of Project -level data is available prior to rolling-up enterprise-level information.

2 Resistance to change is a well-documented maximizes the prospects for Success . phenomenon. And, we know from experience The later stages of implementation are fo- that the implementation of structured Project cused on providing the enterprise-level tools planning and control techniques is a substan- that allow an organization to gain visibility to tial departure from the norm for many com- Project schedule, resource, and cost informa- panies. Therefore, resistance to change with tion across the entire portfolio of projects. respect to Project Management is something This information can be used to optimize that should be expected (and even planned business decision making given that there on).

3 A phased approach to implementation are constraints related to limited resources, can help overcome this resistance by allow- limited budgets, and Project priority. Unfortu- ing an organization to create Success stories, nately, enterprise-level decision making must provide the necessary communication (down- be based on solid Project -level information, ward and upward), and build momentum otherwise, the decisions that are made may prior to rolling-out the process to the general not be correct. A phased implementation population. By taking a phased approach, we approach allows time to ensure that sound can dramatically increase our chances of ac- plans for all individual projects are created ceptance by the organization and reduce the prior to rolling-up enterprise-level information.

4 Probability of a program-of-the-month fiasco. Also, enterprise-level tools can represent a substantial financial commitment. A phased A Project Management system must be tai- approach can coordinate the timing of the lored to the organization. A one size fits all investment in these tools with the point of approach has a low probability of Success maximum usefulness. because it does not recognize differences in Project types, Management and staff capabili- The Four Phases of Project Manage- ties, and organizational culture. A phased ment Implementation approach to implementation allows time in the initial phases to gather first-hand information PMAlliance utilizes four phases for the Project about Project characteristics, personnel, and Management implementation process: Initia- cultural nuances.

5 Then, based on this infor- tion, Project -Level Installation, Enterprise- mation, a Project Management system can Level Installation, and Maintenance. A de- be designed and a roll-out plan crafted that scription of each phase follows. COPYRIGHT PMALLIANCE, INC. 2009 2075 Spencers Way - Suite 201 Phone: Corporate Headquarters Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Training Services Consulting Services Software PMO Development 1. Initiation Phase 4. Maintenance Phase The purpose of the Initiation phase is to mobilize The purpose of the Maintenance phase is to the organization, remediate any current at-risk transition the responsibility for supporting all projects, and set the stage for the Installation of the Project Management requirements of phases.

6 Time is of the essence in the Initiation the organization to the Project Office staff and phase. Management cracks the door open to ensure long-term continuity by establishing with the organization by endorsing the process Project Management as a core competency at kick-off and requesting the support and par- and an essential function within the organiza- ticipation of all employees. However, from the tion. moment of kick-off, employee patience and will- ingness to participate is in jeopardy until Success Conclusion stories have been created and communicated. In today's economic environment it is abso- This is perhaps the riskiest of all of the phases of lutely essential to get it right the first time.

7 Implementation because even small failures at when it comes to making organizational this stage can fuel the arguments of naysayers, changes. A phased approach to implementing substantiate the fears of those employees sitting Project Management can dramatically increase on the fence with respect to Project manage- the probability of Success because it helps to ment, and dissipate any momentum created by overcome resistance to change, creates an Management during the kick-off process. For opportunity to incorporate lessons learned into these reasons, the Initiation phase includes the the design of the Project Management infra- selection of pilot projects that have the potential structure, and ensures that high-quality en- for near-term of successes and great emphasis terprise-level information is available to major is placed on creating and communicating those stakeholders.

8 Success stories to the organization. ABOUT Thomas P. Stevens, PMP. 2. Project -Level Installation Phase Mr. Stevens is the President and Found- During the Project -Level Installation phase ing Partner of PMAlliance, Inc. and has structured Project planning and control process- over 30 years of Project Management es are implemented on all targeted projects, the experience. Project Management infrastructure necessary to ABOUT PMAlliance, Inc. support the consistent, successful application of Project Management techniques by the Project PMAlliance is an international Project Management Training and consulting Office on future projects is created, and Project firm that helps Fortune 1000 companies Office staff are trained and mentored.

9 Improve the execution of their mission-critical projects. For the third 3. Enterprise-Level Installation Phase consecutive year, Inc. Magazine has The Enterprise-Level Installation phase cre- ranked PMAlliance Inc. among the ates the infrastructure necessary to support fastest growing Project Management Consulting companies in the United business decision-making based on schedule, States. Through its Duration-Driven . resource, and cost information rolled-up from methodology, PMAlliance enables its the entire portfolio of projects and transitions clients to successfully complete their the day-to-day responsibility for developing most important projects on time, within and maintaining individual Project plans to the budget and to the intended level of quality.

10 To learn more, visit their website Project Office staff. at COPYRIGHT PMALLIANCE, INC. 2009 2075 Spencers Way - Suite 201 Phone: Corporate Headquarters Stone Mountain, GA 30087